This report from the Education Policy Institute delves into the transformation of the Free School Meals (FSM) measure over the last two decades, shedding light on its significance and utilisation, notably within the framework of Pupil Premium (PP)
The report also explores the strengths and weaknesses of FSM and PP as measures for identifying disadvantaged pupils in research and policymaking.
This report is part of a wider project, funded by the Nuffield Foundation: ‘What has “Free School Meals” measured, and what are the implications?’ The project aims to examine accurately the experiences of different groups of children within the education system: particularly those from disadvantaged and/or marginalised groups. It is also motivated by a desire to make the best possible use of information within the National Pupil Database (NPD), a census of all pupils in state education in England.
This introductory paper provides the necessary context and grounding for the project, with conclusions and policy recommendations to be published in the final stage of this research.
As the educational landscape evolves, it becomes imperative to critically assess the efficacy of measures such as Free School Meals (FSM) and Pupil Premium (PP) in accurately identifying and supporting disadvantaged students. Through meticulous research and analysis, this report sets the stage for informed policy decisions aimed at promoting equitable educational opportunities for all students.
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